Buddhist Symbol

Buddhist Symbol, originally uploaded by webbmb.

Sensoji (Asakusa Kannon Temple), Tokyo, Japan

For most Americans and Europeans, this symbol has all kinds of negative connotations related to the Nazi domination of Germany around the time of the second world war. However, I've seen it at many temples in Japan and it has a different meaning.

"The swastika is an ancient symbol found worldwide, but it is especially common in India. It can be seen in the art of the Egyptians, Romans, Greeks, Celts, Native Americans, and Persians as well Hindus, Jains and Buddhists.

"The swastika's Indian name comes the Sanskrit word svasti, meaning good fortune, luck and well being.

...

"In Buddhism, the swastika signifies auspiciousness and good fortune as well as the Buddha's footprints and the Buddha's heart. The swastika is said to contain the whole mind of the Buddha and can often be found imprinted on the chest, feet or palms of Buddha images. It is also the first of the 65 auspicious symbols on the footprint of the Buddha."

www.religionfacts.com/buddhism/symbols/swastika.htm